From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan comes a new story in her Whiskey Kisses series… Everything’s bigger in Texas.And that includes Duke Wilder’s sexual appetite.Together with his twin brother, he runs a whiskey distillery, and when their business takes off—suddenly he’s got it all. Success. Money. Family. But he doesn’t have a woman to share it with.When Valentina … share it with.
When Valentina storms into his life, her presence is only supposed to be temporary. She’s a feisty attorney hired to help clean up his company’s recent legal mess. He never counted on her being the one to turn his whole world upside down.
After spending most of his life living in the shadow of his brother, Duke has something to prove, and he’s not about to let this distraction get in the way of his plans, no matter how hot things get.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.
more
I received a free copy of the book from the publisher.
I’ve not read a Kendall Ryan book in a while so when this 1001 Dark Nights novella popped up for review I immediately filled out the form. Hunky Heartbreaker is part of a series – Whiskey Kisses – but can be read as a stand alone novel. I can vouch for that as I’ve not read any of the Whiskey Kisses novels outside of this novella.
This book features Duke and Valentina. Duke and his twin brother own a distillery in Texas and find themselves in a bit of a branding pickle. It just so happens Duke’s sister in law’s best friend is an attorney and on her way for a visit. Valentina is beautiful and smart – the best combination of course she must have men drooling over her at every turn. This is definitely the case with Duke. She’s been warned about his philandering ways, however, so she tries to stay away from him during her visit.
A determined Duke won’t let that happen though. I found during this st ory that there were some holes that weren’t plugged story wise. Like what happened with the branding case? I was the reason Valentina and Duke were working together in the first place. I didn’t notice any resolution to that case during this novella. Maybe I missed it. Also, Valentina was supposed to be visiting her best friend – that’s why she was coming from a visit. As far as I can recall they didn’t really spend any time together. So just a few things like that deterred me from giving this a higher star rating
As soon as I read about Duke Wilder in his brother’s book, I was intrigued.
Duke is a huge flirt, too charming for his own good, and a bit of a playboy around Shady Grove (okay, playboy may be a bit of an understatement). But man, is he addictive. He has that fun, unpredictable personality that draws you in and holds you captive. Once you peel back those layers though, his warm heart will steal yours.
Valentina is definitely more than Duke bargained for. This fiery Latina keeps Duke on his toes, always has something to say, and definitely is NOT immune to the Wilder charm, despite her best efforts. She’s fun, sassy, and perfect for Duke
Novellas are always a double-edged sword. They’re great, quick reads but they always leave me wanting more. I loved getting a quick peek at their whirlwind romance. And I loved being able to catch up with Luke and Charlotte (you can find their story in Sexy Stranger). This is a great addition to any Kendall Ryan collection.
Another titillating amuse bouche from author Kendall Ryan, HUNKY HEARTBREAKER is full of sass, steam, and sizzle that, for all that it is a short and sweet read, will definitely satisfy Kendall’s fans. Part of the 1001 Dark Nights franchise, Duke’s and Valentina’s story is a novella in the Whiskey Kisses series, which I’ve not read, but now really want to.
Duke, for all his swagger and macho manliness, is not ready at all for Valentina’s arrival in his world. It’s definitely a case of country meets city, but, somehow, these two manage to make it work. It’s rough going at times, with the obvious differences getting in the way, but the inferno level chemistry between the two of them makes it impossible to ignore that there’s something there, and, maybe, just maybe, it’s more than just a physical thing.
HUNKY HEARTBREAKER is a quick read, but enjoyable all the same. The problem with it, like most novellas, is that I just want more story, more of the characters, maybe more of a slow burn, but Kendall has done a nice job of giving readers a story that they will appreciate all the same. 4 flaming stars for Duke and Valentina and their sexy, fun, romp of a love story.
Hunky Heartbreaker is a short, steamy, fun novella that showcases Kendall Ryan’s brilliant writing.
The 1001 Dark Nights Series is a great series for you to be introduced to new authors and new a glimpse into their series.
If you have read Kendall Ryan before then you would have met one of the Wilder;’s, Luke, in Sexy Stranger and this is his brother Duke’s story. He is in need of help from a big city lawyer, Valentina, to solve some legal issues with his Distillery.Not only does she solve his legal problems she fasts become someone he cares for. Their passion is burning insta hot but doesn’t fizzle.
Another great read from Kendall Ryan
So this is a standalone novella, but if you’ve read Kendall Ryan’s Sexy Stranger then these characters will be familiar to you. I admit, I’ve been chomping at the bit for this story and overall, I enjoyed it.
I truly liked Duke and Valentina. I felt their connection, and their hesitance to act on it. That felt pretty believable to me. I mean, Duke’s twin is married to Valentina’s best friend so neither of them wants to chance messing things up, but it was great seeing them finally go for it. They had hot and steamy sex,yes, but they did develop outside of the bedroom as well. Given the length of this novella, that’s no easy task!
This novella was a flirty and fast read. I sighed at the end strictly because I wanted more; I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters. I enjoyed this novella and would recommend it.
Hunky Heartbreaker is a standalone in the 1001 Dark Nights series and is quick, fun and sexy!! Duke and Valentina were attracted to each other from the start but Valentina was bound and determined that nothing would come of it as she was going back to where she belonged…the big city. I thoroughly enjoyed Duke and Valentina’s story and how quickly they fell for each other. I loved the bit of angst throw in and did not see that coming! Hunky Heartbreaker was steamy, sexy and the perfect read for a cold winter’s evening!
This was such a quick and fun read! It was so nice to be able to fully enjoy this book in one fast sitting.
Duke and Valentina are strong characters with personalities to match. Sparks fly and even though with the short length of their story it was hard not to fall for them as they fell for each other. City girl, Valentina, is determined not to fall for the country bad boy, Duke. However, when they are stuck together to fix some legal problems for Duke’s company, their chemistry is undeniable. Can they make things work? Or will something pop up that will stand in their way of a happily ever after?
I recommend diving into this story! It hit the spot and was just what I needed!
I will definitely be going back to read Sexy Stranger so I can see Luke and Charlotte’s full story. I fell in love with them quickly as secondary characters in this story and want more. I also really hope we get a story for Molly, Luke and Duke’s younger sister. This novella set it up perfectly! *fingers crossed*
Duke and Valentina are combustible in Hunky Heartbreaker!! Where city meets country! Kendall warms your heart with humor and hotness!! Another fantastic book that leaves you smiling and happy!
A quick, fun, sexy read with strong characters. Kendall Ryan never disappoints. This is the perfect short read to hold you over until your next book.
This is a quick read and a perfect novella to read if you’re in between books (like I was).
Duke doesn’t make the best first impression on Valentina. Not realising she’s the attorney that’s going to be helping him and his brother get out of the troubles they’ve recently been made aware of, Duke says the first thing that pops into his head and Valentina isn’t amused. Valentina has only come to help because her best friend asked her to and she’s already feeling out of her comfort zone without the added distraction of sexy but arrogant Duke.
I loved both main characters. Even though they seem completely different something about them been together works. This is a sexy but sweet, instalove story that I really enjoyed.
A short little treat from Kendall Ryan right before Christmas. With humor, steam, and a ton of emotion this one packed a punch. I enjoyed these two together, and I’m intrigued by the “Whiskey Kisses” series. I don’t remember hearing about that, and I’ve read all of Kendall’s books.
Duke is known for his womanizing and he doesn’t try to hide it. Even when he meets Valentina he’s making the moves and she tries to put the brakes on that but Duke just has a way about him that she falls for. He has charisma, charm and sexy and knows that he wants Valentina for more than just a weekend. With Valentina’s best friend there, Valentina has some hard decisions to make in a very short period of time. Will Duke make it worth her while, show her that he is want she wants in her life?
4.5 Hearts
Hunky Heartbreaker is a standalone in the 1001 Dark Nights series. If you read Kendall Ryan’s Sexy Stranger novel then you have had the pleasure of meet Duke and Valentina. Duke is Luke’s twin brother and Valentina is Charlotte’s best friend from L.A.
Duke has always felt he had to work harder than his brother Luke. Luke seemed to have it all even the love of a woman. Now, Duke definitely doesn’t have any trouble with finding a woman to go to bed with but he has yet to find one he wanted to keep there. Then he saw Valentina again. He remembered she was good looking but now that she is in town for a week to help with his and his brother’s legal troubles, he had time to admire her, closer than ever. He vowed to himself to have a taste of the city-slicker lawyer before the week was done.
Valentina was warned about Duke and his ways. That was why she told him after their first meeting that this was a professional only trip. She wasn’t about to be another notch on his bedpost. He agreed but his eyes and body tell a different story. She knew she was so fucked. At least she was only in this small town for a few days. She could certainly keep her hands off the sexy man for a few days?
Yes. No. Maybe.
This is a fast-paced read full of heat, fun banter, and whiskey. I always do enjoy a good quickie with a some sexiness, laughs, and a good time.
Quotes:
“Good morning, darlin’. Could I interest you in some breakfast sausage?”
“Look at you, city-slicker. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were dressing up for me.” I cocked my head in her direction, arching a playful brow.
“What makes you think any of this is for you? From what I’ve heard, there are plenty of eligible bachelors in this one-horse town.” “That may be, but there’s only one Duke Wilder.”
“Glad to see you remembered to put clothes on this time,” I said as he ushered me in.
“That can change if you want,” he replied, his eyes wandering to the tight fabric perfectly hugging my ass.
Duke Wilder is a small town country stud while Valentina is a big city girl through and through, and while that difference shouldn’t be an insurmountable obstacle, the reason that Valentina enters Duke’s life and their first less than stellar interaction, at least in Valentina’s mind, proves to be quite the hook-up deterrent, despite the sexual tension and attraction that sizzles whenever they’re in the same room.
Duke and Valentina couldn’t be more opposite in almost every aspect of their lives, but here’s the thing, they’re both judged on their outward personality and actions and if anyone looked beneath their facades and delved a little deeper, they would see that there’s a lot more to both of these characters and it’s that Duke and that Valentina that act on the spark between them and risk being laid bare in significant ways – ones that deal with more than the physical connection they seem to share.
Neither Duke nor Valentina thought that their temporary fascination…their temporary desire for another would remain, so they never considered that their fling would make things difficult once Valentina helped fix the distillery’s legal troubles, but that’s exactly what happens, which means that tough decisions need to be made and heartbreak may be in store for one or both of them.
Hunky Heartbreaker is the perfect story for new readers to be introduced to Kendall Ryan’s hilarious and smexy storytelling as well as her charming and smooth talking characters. And while there is a bit of an instal-love aspect to Duke and Valentina’s story, I feel like it’s more of an insta-lust situation because Valentina is considerably unimpressed when she first meets Duke and gives him shit for his behavior even if she does want to rip his clothes off at the same time. There’s fantastic sparring between these two characters and despite their many differences, they know exactly how to handle each other, both in and outside of the bedroom, which makes for quite the interesting scenes and interactions.
I really hope Kendall Ryan takes her readers back to visit the Wilders sometime soon because I feel like there are more stories to tell and I’d love to catch up with the Wilder twins and their significant others.
4 Poison Apples
3.5 Disappointed stars
I’ve been a huge fan of Kendall Ryan for a few years now and I was excited to read Hunky Heartbreaker, a novella in the Whiskey Kisses series. I’m not sure what it was about this story, but for the first time ever, I didn’t enjoy one of this author’s stories.
To be honest, if I’d been given it to read without knowing who wrote it, I would never have guessed it was Kendall. I’m sorry but to me, it just didn’t have the life that I associate with her writing.
Not that the writing was bad. Far from it, it just… Didn’t vibe with me.
The first word that comes to mind after finishing this is – HAPPY.
I’m not sure what it was about this couple but Duke and Val just made me happy. I loved her sassy-latina character and that she was a take-the-bull-by-its-horns kinda a woman. As for Duke; that man can wine and dine me anytime he pleases.
This was a fast, fun and steamy read. This 1001 nights novella’s keep getting better and better.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
***4 Stars***
This is a fun, quick read that was low on angst and had just the right amount of smexyness to keep things interesting for me.
I really liked Duke and Valentina. Both have big personalities and even bigger hearts and the sparks that fly between them every time they collide prove that they could be a perfect match for each other, if they can get past a few issues that come up.
Though this is a novella it definitely packed a punch, in a no muss, no fuss sort of way. I liked catching up with Luke and Charlotte and that ending was practically perfect! So if you’re looking for something fun and quick to tide you over until your next read than this is the one to grab!
~ Copy provided by the author/InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
Luke and Duke Wilder have done everything possible to make their whiskey distillery a success. When the business finally takes off, they run into a legal snag that ends up bringing the feisty and beautiful Valentina into the lives of the brothers.
When Duke realizes that his sister-in-law’s best friend is the lawyer that has come to help them, he knows he’s in trouble. He’s having dirty thoughts about the gorgeous woman, but he also knows that getting involved with her would create a whole lot of complications. The question is, can he resist her and can she help the brothers get out of their legal troubles?
Hunky Heartbreaker was a novella that had everything you want in a romance – it was steamy, there was humor and there was also emotion. Duke and Valentina had great chemistry and it leaped off the pages anytime they were together. Kudos to Kendall Ryan for penning another fantastic tale!
5 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review
I can’t begin to tell you how much I loved this story. I’ve come to fall in love with the Wilder family. Now we get to see Duke in action. I think my ovaries exploded while reading this book. It’s a quick little story, but it packs a punch. Duke was sweet, cocky, full of himself, but loving. I loved getting to watch Duke fall in the best of ways.
Valentina was great. I loved her sass, her wit, and her heart. I could see her walls crumbling even when she didn’t want them too. This story was just want I needed, but didn’t know I wanted. I loved these two and I hope and pray we get more from them in the future.
Please check out this awesome story. As with all of Kendall Ryan’s books, this one was steamy, sexy, and had just enough sweetness. I loved it from start to finish. I loved getting to see some old characters as well. Please check out Hunky Heartbreaker.
Ok, I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but out of all of the books I’ve read by Kendall Ryan, I didn’t read Sexy Stranger (the book about Duke’s twin brother, Luke)! So, despite my horrible failing, I can honestly say, if you haven’t read it, you will definitely still enjoy Hunky Heartbreaker. And like me, you will probably find yourself hunting up a copy as soon as you finish Valentina and Duke’s story!
This book starts off with laughs, and just keeps going from there. I don’t think I’ve laughed this much while reading a novella in a long time. Valentina and Duke are a total riot. They rub each other the wrong way, right from the beginning, and the sparks fly! Duke seems to know exactly what to say to set Valentina off! It’s just hilarious! Add in the ridiculously hot chemistry between them, and they never stood a chance!
There was so much packed into this novella, absolutely everything I love in a romance! The heat, the witty banter, the connection between the characters, all add up to a story that leaves the reader with a happy feeling in their heart! This is the perfect story if you need a quick pick me up!